World Orders of Knighthood and Merit [Hardcover]

Guy Stair Sainty (Editor), Rafal Heydel-Mankoo (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0971196672 | ISBN-13: 978-0971196674

Orders of Knighthood are the most exclusive and prestigious institutions in the world. Originally the preserve of royalty and aristocracy, they now include amongst their membership tycoons such as Rupert Murdoch, entertainers (Sir Mick Jagger, for example) and world leaders (Nelson Mandela). Burke's Peerage and Gentry have now produced a major new study of the extant orders of knighthood and merit of every state, the result of the collaboration of many of the world's leading specialists. The first section commences with detailed histories of the surviving confraternal orders, beginning with the famous Order of Malta. The second section includes histories of all the great European single class Collar Orders, by date of foundation, beginning with the Order of the Garter (England) and including the Orders from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Spain and Sweden. The third includes histories of the most prestigious Orders of Chivalry and the remaining sections include one devoted to royal dynastic Orders, another to ladies' Orders and the largest section: State Merit Orders. The main portion ends with a section on institutions of chivalric character. Each Order's purpose, structure, investiture details, officers and membership requirements will be listed along with details of the insignia. These lavishly illustrated, full colour volumes also include illustrations of the uniforms, robes and insignia as well as photographs and paintings of related places and people, diplomas, armorial bearings and ceremonies of investiture. This unique volume will be of great interest to academics, historians, collectors and members of any of the numerous international orders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

As a comprehensive work of scholarship, this is excellent and long-overdue. (...) A reference resource for the next century, libraries with responsibilities in this area would be advised to purchase this remarkable work. REFERENCE REVIEWSThis lavishly illustrated and impressively-researched reference work is an important guide to orders of chivalry. (...) These impressive volumes will be the definitive reference work on the history of orders of chivalry for historians. ARCHIVESA stunning achievement and a cause for celebration...which manages to combine high standards of scholarship with wonderful anecdotes and commentary. COAT OF ARMS, the JOURNAL OF THE HERALDRY SOCIETYThere is no other single place where one can readily find such authentic histories. It is a gold-mine for researchers and a most interesting and entertaining read for pleasure. The editors are to be congratulated on their Herculean labour in putting it all together. THE HERALDRY GAZETTE A stunning, two-volume work (that) runs to over 2,000, large-format pages and manages to combine exacting scholarship, wonderful colour illustrations, and sharp commentary. (...) A classic, unlikely to be replaced for at least a century. THE SCOTSMANWell written, meticulously researched, and stunningly presented. Recommended. CHOICE

Product Details

• Hardcover: 2000 pages
• Publisher: Burke's Peerage (August 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971196672
• ISBN-13: 978-0971196674
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9 x 5.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 18.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,423,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-rate Phaleristics, December 7, 2008

By 

A. Sedacca (Glen Oaks, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: World Orders of Knighthood and Merit (Hardcover)

This magnum opus by Sainty may seem a bit pricey, but is definitely worth the money! This two (2)-volume set is well written, and is a "must have" for anyone involved with, or interested in, Orders of Chivalry. The information on each of the Orders is clearly and thoroughly presented in an unbiased manner, and reflects extensive research and experience. I highly recommend it!